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County approves March claims totaling $2.89 million; pays final Safe Harbor contract installment and authorizes boat purchase
Summary
The Board considered March claims totaling $2,893,137.93, approved large payments including a $780,000 check to the road commission and a $113,000 construction payment on a transit office addition, authorized final contract payment to Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center, and approved purchase of a patrol rescue boat not to exceed $38,000.
Van Buren County commissioners approved March claims of $2,893,137.93 during the April 10 meeting.
County finance staff highlighted several large disbursements in the claims packet: approximately $780,000 paid to the road commission, a $113,000 payment related to construction on the transit office addition (a grant-funded project), and several previously authorized capital improvement payments. Staff said most recurring contract and payroll items were “status quo” for the month.
Commissioners also discussed a final outstanding contract payment to Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center. County staff explained the payment represented the third and final installment of a three-year agreement (originally $120,000 per year). The county said the payment fell through the administrative transition and that the final installment was paid now; no new contract has been requested by the provider.
Separately, the board approved the sheriff’s request to purchase a patrol/rescue boat for inland lakes, using public safety account funds, with a not-to-exceed price of $38,000 to include a motor. Staff said two boats are in the fleet; one requires replacement and the other needs a new motor.
The board also approved disposal of excess sheriff’s equipment as submitted in the packet.
Why it matters: The claims vote and individual purchases are part of routine county financial oversight. The Safe Harbor payment rectified an identified missed invoice from a prior year; commissioners discussed the program’s role and the county’s prior three-year funding arrangement.
